Vol. 14, No. 62, February 1942. 8 pages. View this issue
Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals faced new government restrictions in February 1942, and this eight-page issue followed them closely. Federal officials told JACL leaders Saburo Kido and Mike Masaoka that wholesale evacuation from the Pacific Coast was not planned. Attorney General Francis Biddle named prohibited zones for enemy aliens in California, Washington and Oregon, and the paper printed the lists. The JACL National Council was set to meet April 3, 4 and 5 in Oakland, with sixty chapters expected.
Other stories covered the National Board’s recommendation to close Japanese language schools, with praise from officials such as Sam H. Hoyt of California. A JACL resolution asked that citizens who aid enemy governments lose the vote, and members were asked to sign a notarized oath of allegiance. Page 7 carries the Northwest District Council’s new officers and chapter news.
What’s in this issue
Community
- National Council Scheduled to Meet in April, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL National Council will meet tentatively April 3-5 in Oakland, California, without entertainment features. Sixty chapters will be represented, and several new chapters were approved for charters.
- Curfew Regulations, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Restricted movement zones were declared for German, Japanese, and Italian nationals along the California coast. The area extends from 50 miles north of Los Angeles inland 30 to 150 miles.
- Chapters Aid Evacuating Japanese Nationals, by P.C. Staff, page 6. JACL chapters surveyed available temporary housing for Japanese nationals forced to leave prohibited areas. The paper also published a complete list of restricted zones in California.
- Head N.W.D.C. Elected, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Officers were elected for the Northwest District Council of the JACL, along with chapter leadership changes in Auburn, Ogden, San Diego, Venice, Oakland, and Alameda. Several chapters also reported new membership and civil defense activities.
National
- JACL Lauded for Stand on Language Schools, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California deputy superintendent of public instruction Sam H. Hoyt praised the JACL National Board’s recommendation to close Japanese language schools during the emergency. He said the closures would protect children and the community from potential violence.
- NCDC Adds Three New Members, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Committee on Defense Coordination added three new members to its roster. The committee also plans to appoint a Nisei agricultural expert.
- Reassurances on Evacuation Fears, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Federal officials told JACL leaders Saburo Kido and Mike Masaoka that wholesale evacuation of Japanese from the Pacific Coast was not planned. Only Japanese nationals in designated prohibited areas must move, and citizens of Japanese descent will not be involved.
- Nationals’ Court Rights, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Attorney General Francis Biddle clarified that Japanese nationals residing in the United States may sue in federal and state courts. The statement addresses earlier doubts raised by court rulings.
JACL
- League Memorializes President to Disenfranchise Disloyal Citizens, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A JACL resolution adopted by the Southern District Council and approved by the National Board asks the President and Congress to disenfranchise citizens who act in support of enemy governments. The resolution affirms members’ allegiance solely to the United States.
- High Government Officials Praise Board’s Action as Wise and Timely, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Governors and state education officials from several western states wrote to the JACL to commend the National Board’s recommendation to close Japanese language schools. They described the action as wise and helpful in avoiding trouble.
- Members to Take Allegiance Oath, by P.C. Staff, page 1. To aid identification, JACL members were asked to sign a notarized oath of allegiance to the United States. Membership certificates in wallet card form were also issued.
Commentary
- Notes and Comments, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Pacific Citizen will publish twice monthly during the emergency, including government and JACL bulletins. The National Headquarters also opened a Public Service and Information Department to answer members’ questions.
Incarceration & Redress
- Prohibited Areas Include Historic Hydroelectric Plants and Coastal Zones, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Attorney General Biddle designated restricted zones for enemy aliens along the California coast and in parts of Washington and Oregon, including dams and power plants. The lists specify boundaries and dates for the restrictions.
- 31 Districts Prohibited to Aliens in Northwest, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Attorney General Biddle announced that seven areas in Washington and 24 in Oregon were prohibited to Japanese aliens effective February 15, 1942. The areas include dams, power facilities, and municipal installations.
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